I'm interested in doing a little more cold and temperate water diving. Probably Lake Superior (summer only) and southern Californa (spring to fall), maybe some other places. I've dove both places in a rented 7mm, and ranged from ok to quite cold. I assume, though, that rental wetsuits are probably not especially high-end, and possibly compressed from frequent use.
My question is this. I have a 5mm Pinnacle. If I throw a 7mm hooded vest on top, is that going to keep me fairly warm? Or would I be better off looking at something like a full 7mm semi-dry?
I know a drysuit is the obvious choice here, but that's not in the budget right now. Also concerened about potential damage and extra bulk when traveling, as trips to California will not be purely for diving.
Dives will probably be limited to 2 a day, and likely not more than a dozen or so in a year. For that reason I don't want to go too crazy on cost.
Any advice much appreciated.
James
My question is this. I have a 5mm Pinnacle. If I throw a 7mm hooded vest on top, is that going to keep me fairly warm? Or would I be better off looking at something like a full 7mm semi-dry?
I know a drysuit is the obvious choice here, but that's not in the budget right now. Also concerened about potential damage and extra bulk when traveling, as trips to California will not be purely for diving.
Dives will probably be limited to 2 a day, and likely not more than a dozen or so in a year. For that reason I don't want to go too crazy on cost.
Any advice much appreciated.
James